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McCausland got Housing Executive figures wrong - McCann

Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has said the statement issued by the Department of Social Development and Housing Executive on a settlement with contractors on overpayments is an exercise in gobbledygook.

The Sinn Féin housing spokesperson said;

"The fact is the minister and the chair of the Housing Executive made serious allegations that named contractors had been overpaid by the Housing Executive to the tune of £18 million.

"These contractors were then suspended from carrying out maintenance works.

"Now it has been stated that three of four contractors have agreed to pay £670,000 to the Housing Executive, while the fourth contractor was found not to have been overpaid at all.

"At the time we stated that the minister needed to explain where this figure came from but he refused to do so. It’s clear that Nelson McCausland got this very wrong and he should now consider his position.

"This issue had led to a delay in carrying out vital repair work such as refitting kitchens and window replacement schemes at Housing Executive properties across the North.

"In light of this settlement, I would hope that planned maintenance work will be carried out as it should have been in order to bring properties up to the standard that tenants deserve and require."